However, many users soon complained online that the new Windows 11 search bar stopped working after the latest updates.
Launching applications, searching for files, or changing Windows settings without a search bar is difficult, resulting in an unpleasant PC experience for the end-user. But what if we told you that you could easily fix the problem of the Windows 11 Search bar not working by following the steps below? Sounds reassuring, does not it? So let us start with the troubleshooting.
1. Enable Search Bar in Taskbar
With Windows 11, Microsoft added the option to disable the search icon in the taskbar. As a result, new users are confused because they cannot find the search icon in the taskbar and search for files/apps in Windows 11. However, you can easily enable the search menu in the taskbar from the Windows 11 settings; let us take a look.
2. Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
Since the problem of the Windows 11 search menu not working is common, Microsoft has included a built-in troubleshooting feature that can identify and fix all search menu issues with one button. Let us take a look at it.
3. Restart Windows 11 Search Service
The following method to fix the problem of Windows 11 search not working is to restart the search service from the taskbar. But how do you restart the search service? Don’t worry; we’ll take care of everything.
4. Force Stop Search Service Using Ctrl + Alt + Delete
If, by any chance, the search menu stops working for you, you can try to stop the service by following the steps mentioned below forcibly.
5. Tweak the Touchpad and Handwriting Panel Service
Many third-party applications, such as the Handwriting Panel service, manipulate the default Windows settings. Follow these instructions to correct this.
6. Run Windows Security Check
Windows offers its users a sense of freedom by allowing them to install any software available on the network, but sometimes this freedom can turn out to be a fraud. What’s my point? These untested third-party programs can often mess up Windows settings, making the search menu stop working. However, you can quickly run a Windows security scan to check for security vulnerabilities in the system and fix the Windows 11 Search not working issue.
7. Check for Updates
Probably the most common and easiest way to fix the Windows 11 Search not working problem is to update Windows 11 to the latest version. Press the Windows+I key combination and navigate to the Updates section to update your PC.
8. Reset Your Windows 11 Machine
If Windows 11 Search does not work even after trying all the above troubleshooting methods, your only option is to reset your Windows 11 computer. Press the Windows + I key combination and navigate to the Reset PC option in the PC settings to reset your PC.
Fix Windows 11 Search Menu with Ease
If you use any of the troubleshooting methods described above, you should be able to fix the search issue on your Windows 11 machine and start using the brand-new UI and features. Let us know in the comments below if you found this article helpful and successfully fixed the Windows 11 search not working issue.
